Schneider Electric’s Global Investment Fund Expands with New Hires and Investments

Schneider 400

Aug 28, 2019

SE Ventures (SEV) a new Silicon Valley-based $565M global investment fund backed by Schneider Electric announced the addition of two senior partners to lead their investment team.

Grant Allen and Varun Jain will bring their extensive global venture experience to SEV, and join Kevin Deneen, formerly of Aster Capital, to focus on investments in areas such as energy management, industrial automation and emobility.

Grant Allen joins SEV from Zurich-based ABB, where he led global ventures, overseeing a portfolio of 30+ direct and fund investments, including Bonsai AI (acquired by Microsoft), Industrial Defender (acquired by Lockheed Martin), Soft Robotics, and MineSense. An expert in corporate innovation and a venture investor for 12 years, he was instrumental in growing ABB Technology Ventures to become the most active CVC in the robotics/applied AI space, behind Google.

Varun Jain joins SEV from Qualcomm Ventures, where he led the global early-stage practice, including a portfolio of 80+ investments. Some of the recent major exits from the practice include Cruise Automation (acquired by GM), 99 (acquired by Didi) and Zoom. He brings a strong background in industrial automation, e-mobility, and SaaS.

SEV has invested in category leaders such as AutoGrid, Claroty, Element Analytics, and Sense. They recently closed on investments with Titan AES, a novel Li-ion battery management system, and Synapticon, an advanced motion control platform for industrial robots, and anticipate investing in 10 or more new startups annually.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    July 24, 2025 BC Hydro is supporting the construction of new housing developments in growing communities by advancing changes to streamline upgrades and reducing the cost of new customer connections to BC Hydro’s electricity grid. “As communities across B.C. grow, so does the need for essential housing. We are committed to ensuring we’re ready to… Read More…

  • Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    July 22, 2025 Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) manufacturer, Mitrex proudly announces that its transformative SunRise Residential project in Edmonton, Alberta, has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest solar panel mural globally. This landmark project showcases Mitrex’s innovative BIPV solar panels, blending cutting-edge solar technology with vibrant cultural artistry to redefine sustainable architecture. Sustainable Architecture with BIPV Spanning over 30,000 square feet, the Mitrex eFacade PRO plus… Read More…

  • Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    July 24, 2025 Nexans has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey by developing a prototype cable made entirely from recycled materials — a first in the company’s history. This innovation combines technical performance, industrial feasibility, and a drastically reduced environmental footprint, marking a decisive step forward in circular economy. A cross-continental success story… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    July 24, 2025 Since 1974, MGM Transformers has produced tough and trusted transformers designed to get the job done right. As a leading manufacturer, the company employs a highly experienced and dedicated engineering team that excels in custom designs. MGM Transformers is committed to excellent quality and service, offering industry-leading lead times and exceptional customer service. MGM Transformers specializes… Read More…